Volume 16 No 2 (2018)
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Hoffman’s Interface Theory from a Bio-Psychological Perspective
Franz Klaus Jansen
Abstract
Hoffman’s interface theory of perception proposes that natural selection is based on icons, which are assessed on
the basis of their value for species fitness and have no resemblance to real objects. According to this perspective,
perception of truth concerning objects has no value for ensuring the species’ survival. The whole truth can only be
grasped if all underlying physical factors creating icons of conscious perception are known. However, knowledge of
whole truth as well as partial truth is rejected by the theory. Yet, from a bio-psychological perspective, the theory
has some important limitations. Perception limited to partial truth would also be adapted for fitness-based
evolutionary selection, as it would result in the enhancement of the existing or the creation of new functions of
sense organs. Although Hoffman’s interface theory does not treat sense organs as physical objects, their functions
in consciousness are recognized. Symbolic icons on the computer screen lack any veridical representation of the
manner in which the data is stored in the computer memory, but are valuable tools in accessing the relevant
content. In contrast icons representing images maintain a direct relation to their stored image. Evolutionary
selection over many generations is thought to create icons for increasing fitness. However, icons created in the
distant past become fixed and cannot be adapted to the rapid changes during an individual learning process
necessary for adaption to unexpected new situations. Human inventions of new objects would also be rendered
impossible if icons were solely dependent on evolutionary selection in the distant past. The interface theory is
based on quantum mechanical concepts, which are extrapolated from the atomocosm to the macrocosm, but do not
consider the Heisenberg cut. The interface approach may be adequate for lower-level organisms, but results in
oversimplification when applied to the highly complex human perception.
Keywords
Interface Theory, Truth, Fitness, Evolution, Reality
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